How To Learn ICD 10 Coding. By Jim H May (HowToStudyForCpcExam.com) With the ICD 10 deadline approaching fast, are you ready for it? Here are some suggestions on how to learn ICD 10 coding. But first, a brief introduction: ICD10-CM is the World Health Organization’s International Classification of the Diseases, the 10th Revision, and Clinical Modification. Medical coders use ICD 10 to refer to patients’ conditions described by physicians and health care workers that are coded into alphanumeric codes, which is then used to transmit claims to the insurance companies. As you might expect, trying to code something as complex as a patient’s condition efficiently and accurately is a skill that is very much in demand in healthcare right now. The transition from ICD 9 to ICD 10 intimidates new coders because the code set is far larger. The following are some suggestions on how to learn ICD 10 coding: First, make sure you obtain the correct edition of the ICD 10 books. There are three volumes comprising of ICD-10-CM: Volume 1 comprising of The Tabular List, Volume 2 comprising of The Instruction Manual and then Volume 3 consisting of The Alphabetical Index. For you to code accurately, you must use volumes 1 and 3 together. Secondly, learn the various ways in which the ICD 10 differs from the ICD 9. ICD 10 codes normally have 3 to 7 characters. Each code starts with a letter; alpha characters are usually not case-sensitive. A 7th character is needed on some diagnoses that start with the “M,” “O,” “R,” “S,” “T,” as well as “VWXY.” ICD-9-CM “V” codes becomes “Z” codes while “E” codes changes to “VWXY” codes. Thirdly, you can visit various places such as the Medicare and Medicare Service website so as to learn about the General Equivalence Mappings (GEM) tool. This particular tool eases the conversion from the ICD 9 to ICD 10. The mappings allows you to transition these two coding systems. Simply use the mappings in order to find a starting point so as to determine the right ICD10-CM code for every diagnosis since a single ICD 9 code can translate to numerous different ICD-10-CM codes. Moreover, note that the ICD-10-CM codes are usually very specific. Finally, brush up your knowledge of the anatomy. Check out the various online training programs that can help you. It’s much faster and easier to get a certified trainer to help you transi- tion from ICD 9 to ICD 10. When you’re ready you’ll be able to take the ICD-10-CM Proficiency Assessment and become fully qualified to code in ICD 10. Click here now to find the best online ICD 10 training courses! Jim regularly updates his website HowToStudyForCPCExam, about how to prepare and study for medical coding certification, ICD 10, medical coding in general, the certification exam, and related news about the industry. You can get great tips and useful resources to help you get certified. He also has a review of medical coding certification blitz videos you can check out. Click on this link to visit Jim’s website now!